Lead extraction methods and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus configured to control a lead extraction tool for assisting in removal of an implanted lead. The apparatus comprises at least one valve configured to control fluid flow to the lead extraction tool. When the at least one valve is open, the at least one valve is configured to allow fluid stored in the apparatus to flow thereby applying, when the apparatus is fluidly coupled to the lead extraction tool, fluid pressure to at least one component of the lead extraction tool. The apparatus further comprises at least one controller configured to control opening and/or closing of the at least one valve.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for assisting in removing an implanted lead, the system comprising:
 a device for separating tissue from the lead, the device comprising:
 a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the body adapted to accommodate the lead; 
 at least one expansion component capable of increasing a distance between the proximal portion and the distal portion at least in part by fluid pressure applied to the at least one expansion component; 
 a separating component coupled to the at least one expansion component such that when fluid pressure is applied to the at least one expansion component, the separating component is forced in a forward direction along the lead to assist in separating tissue from the lead; 
 at least one proximal anchoring component capable of providing pressure on the lead that resists movement of at least part of the proximal portion along the lead at least in part by fluid pressure applied to the at least one proximal anchoring component to provide an anchor for the separating component to assist in separating tissue from the lead; and 
 at least one distal anchoring component capable of providing pressure on the lead that resists movement of at least part of the distal portion along the lead at least in part by fluid pressure applied to the at least one distal anchoring component; and 
 
 a control unit configured to operate the device, the control unit comprising at least one controller configured to cause fluid pressure to be applied to the at least one proximal anchoring component, the at least one expansion component, and the at least one distal anchoring component in a predetermined sequence. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause fluid pressure to be released from the at least one expansion component, the at least one proximal anchoring component and the at least one distal anchoring component in a predetermined sequence. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one controller is configured to control the device by sequentially applying fluid pressure to the proximal anchoring component, applying fluid pressure to the expansion component, applying fluid pressure to the distal anchoring component, releasing fluid pressure from the proximal anchoring component, releasing fluid pressure from the expansion component, and releasing fluid pressure from the distal anchoring component. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one controller is configured to repeat the sequence of applying fluid pressure to the proximal anchoring component, applying fluid pressure to the expansion component, applying fluid pressure to the distal anchoring component, releasing fluid pressure from the proximal anchoring component, releasing fluid pressure from the expansion component, and releasing fluid pressure from the distal anchoring component to separate tissue adhered to the lead. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the control unit comprises a plurality of valves and wherein the at least one controller is configured to operate the plurality of valves to apply and/or release fluid pressure from the at least one proximal anchoring component, the at least one expansion component, and the at least one distal anchoring component in the predetermined sequence. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a first inflation tube through which fluid is applied to the at least one proximal anchoring component, a second inflation tube through which fluid is applied to the at least one expansion component, and a third inflation tube through which fluid is applied to the at least one distal anchoring component so that the at least one proximal anchoring component, the at least one expansion component and the at least one distal anchoring component are configured to be operated independently. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises an input mechanism that allows a user to start and/or stop operation of the device. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one expansion component comprises a piston mechanism having a piston arranged to slide forward and backward in an axial direction with respect to the body, wherein the piston is forced in a forward direction along the lead when fluid pressure is applied to the piston mechanism. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a spring mechanism coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the spring mechanism is stretched when fluid pressure is applied to the piston mechanism and contracts to advance the proximal portion when fluid pressure is released from the at least one expansion component and the at least one proximal anchoring component. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal anchoring component, when fluid pressure is applied to the at least one distal anchoring component, causes gripping contact on a full circumference of a portion of the lead. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one proximal anchoring component, when fluid pressure is applied to the at least one proximal anchoring component, causes gripping contact on a full circumference of a portion of the lead. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal anchoring component comprises at least one anchoring balloon that provides pressure on the lead that resists movement of the distal portion along the lead when inflated. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one proximal anchoring component includes at least one anchoring balloon that provides pressure on the lead to resist movement of the proximal portion along the lead when inflated. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a rotating component coupled to the separating component and the at least one expansion component, wherein when fluid pressure is applied to the at least one expansion component, force from the at least one expansion component causes the rotating component to rotate the separating component while the separating component is being forced in the forward direction along the lead to assist in separating tissue from the lead.